The Zone Commander for the Legions across Chatham-Kent is asking everyone to put a little more effort into Remembrance Day.
Len Maynard wishes people would put as much effort into each Remembrance Day as they do with Halloween and Christmas.
"I'd like to see more done. You go into the stores and I don't see a Lest We Forget unless it's the poppy boxes we put out there. We don't see any kind of display for Remembrance Day. I see Halloween automatically going into Christmas. They forget Remembrance Day is in there," Maynard said.
Having said that, Maynard said this year's smaller Remembrance Day ceremonies at each cenotaph in Chatham-Kent will be invitation-only for veterans, Legion members, and guests because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maynard said the reduced capacity is to keep the older veterans and the public safe from coronavirus infection. Maynard hopes all generations, young and old, keep remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom.
"Unfortunately, this is how we have to do it this year. Hopefully, this a one off but the public safety comes first," he added. "You don't have to be at the cenotaph. You can be at one of the banners throughout the different communities, wherever. Just stop at 11, pause, reflect and remember."
Maynard said Your TV Cogeco Chatham-Kent will air the private Remembrance Day service from the John Bradley Convention Centre so the public can watch it at home. He said those who wish to lay wreaths at any cenotaph can do it privately and safely after individual services have cleared out.
McKinlay Funeral Homes has also produced a Remembrance Day video that will be available on their web page starting on Wednesday. Managing Funeral Director Nathan McKinlay said the video was filmed in conjunction with the local Legions and is to pay tribute to the veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives and those who served and are still with us. The video will be up indefinitely at www.remembrancedayck.com.
Maynard also said the poppy campaign will be different this year because there won't be any Legions canvassing at stores with poppy boxes. He added the poppy and coin boxes will still be at the various stores for people to get their poppies and donate but Legion members and veterans will take a pass this year to stay safe.
